Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors of Preeclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Ho Municipal Hospital, Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana. Facility-specific data on its prevalence and associated risk factors at Ho Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region are limited. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia and identify its associated risk factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Ho Municipal Hospital, Volta Region, Ghana. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a retrospective review of antenatal records. A total of 438 pregnant women were systematically sampled. Data on sociodemographic, obstetric, and nutritional variables were extracted using a structured tool. Preeclampsia was diagnosed according to ACOG (2020) criteria. Data were analysed using chi-square tests for bivariate associations and binary logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of preeclampsia was 4.34% (19/438). In bivariate analysis, only malnutrition was significantly associated with preeclampsia (χ² = 5.536, p = 0.019). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that malnutrition was the only independent predictor (AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.12–24.34, p = 0.036). Age group, educational level, occupation, income, number of ANC visits, previous caesarean section, primigravidity, and gestational age were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Preeclampsia affects approximately 4.34% of pregnant women attending antenatal care at Ho Municipal Hospital. Malnutrition is the only significant independent risk factor. Targeted nutritional screening and interventions during antenatal care are recommended to reduce the burden of preeclampsia in this setting.